Communication method and apparatus, related device, and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a communication method, device, centralized unit (CU), distributed unit (DU) and storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: a CU of a base station determines to switch the transmission mode of a first multicast broadcast service (MBS) of a first terminal; and the CU informs a DU to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to a communication method, apparatus, related equipment, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] To meet the needs of industries such as live video streaming, alleviate network congestion caused by a large number of unicast services, and improve the experience of a large number of users online at the same time, related technologies have proposed Multi-cast Broadcast Service (MBS). This service sends the same data packets to multiple terminals through a single data source, realizing data packet sharing and aiming to effectively improve the utilization rate of air interface resources.

[0003] From the perspective of the 5G core network, MBS service has two possible transmission methods:

[0004] 1) Core Network Individual MBS Delivery Mode (5GC Individual MBS delivery mode): The core network receives individual MBS data packets and transmits them individually to each UE through each UE's Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. Therefore, for each UE, one PDU session needs to be associated with one MBS session.

[0005] 2) Core network shared transmission mode (which can be expressed as 5GC Shared MBS delivery mode): The core network receives a single MBS data packet and transmits the MBS data packet directly to the base station side, which then transmits the MBS data packet to one or more UEs.

[0006] From the base station's perspective, MBS data packets can be sent to the UE through the following two air interface transmission modes:

[0007] 1) Point-to-point (PTP) mode: The base station transmits the same MBS data packets to each UE over the air interface.

[0008] 2) Point to Multi-point (PTM) mode: The base station transmits MBS data packets to a group of UEs over the air interface.

[0009] like Figure 1 As shown, the Radio Access Network (RAN) can simultaneously send MBS data packets to multiple UEs using both PTP and PTM modes.

[0010] In related technologies, a major business scenario for MBS is the switching between MBS transmission modes on the air interface, specifically the switching between PTP mode and PTM mode. Dynamic switching between PTP and PTM modes in an integrated base station architecture can be directly achieved based on the number of users under the base station or the users' Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. However, how to achieve dynamic switching of air interface transmission modes in a separate base station architecture has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0011] To address the related technical problems, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, apparatus, related devices, and storage medium.

[0012] The technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0013] This application provides a communication method applied to a centralized unit (CU) of a base station, comprising:

[0014] Determine to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal;

[0015] The Distributed Unit (DU) is notified to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal.

[0016] In the above scheme, the transmission mode of the first MBS includes PTM mode and PTP mode; the CU can transmit MBS data packets in PTM mode to the DU through the first channel, and / or transmit MBS data packets in PTP mode, retransmitted MBS data packets, or forwarded MBS data packets to the DU through the second channel.

[0017] In the above scheme, the notification to the DU to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal includes one of the following:

[0018] The DU is notified via F1 interface signaling to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal.

[0019] Send a first request to the DU; the first request is used to request the establishment of the first channel or the second channel with the DU; the first request is also used to notify the DU to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal;

[0020] The DU transmits an MBS data packet carrying a first identifier; the first identifier indicates that the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal has been switched.

[0021] In the above scheme, the transmission mode of the first MBS to the first terminal is switched from PTP mode to PTM mode; the method further includes:

[0022] The channel used to transmit the MBS data packets of the first terminal to the DU will be switched from the second channel to the first channel.

[0023] The method in the above scheme further includes:

[0024] Based on the first speed and the second speed, it is determined whether it is necessary to retransmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU; the first speed is the MBS data packet transmission speed of the first channel; the second speed is the MBS data packet transmission speed of the second channel.

[0025] If it is determined that the MBS data packet of the first terminal needs to be retransmitted to the DU, the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal is retransmitted to the DU through the second channel.

[0026] In the above scheme, determining whether it is necessary to retransmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU based on the first speed and the second speed includes:

[0027] If the first speed is less than or equal to the second speed, it is determined that it is not necessary to retransmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU;

[0028] or,

[0029] If the first speed is greater than the second speed, it is determined that the MBS data packet of the first terminal needs to be retransmitted to the DU.

[0030] In the above scheme, the step of retransmitting the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU through the second channel includes:

[0031] Receive first information sent by the DU; the first information contains the number of the MBS data packet of the first terminal that the CU needs to retransmit to the DU;

[0032] Based on the first information, the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal is retransmitted to the DU through the second channel.

[0033] In the above scheme, the transmission mode of the first MBS to the first terminal is switched from PTM mode to PTP mode; the method further includes:

[0034] The first terminal's (M+1)th MBS data packet is transmitted to the DU via the second channel; M is the number of the first terminal's MBS data packet last transmitted by the CU to the DU via the first channel; M is an integer greater than 0.

[0035] The method in the above scheme further includes:

[0036] The DU is notified of a first number and a second number via F1 interface signaling, so that the DU can determine whether there are any lost data packets during the process of receiving MBS data packets from the first terminal; the first number is the number of the MBS data packet currently being transmitted on the first channel; the second number is the number of the last MBS data packet from the first terminal being transmitted on the second channel.

[0037] The method in the above scheme further includes:

[0038] The DU receives second information sent by the DU; the second information includes the number of the data packet lost by the DU during the process of receiving the MBS data packet from the first terminal.

[0039] Based on the second information, the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal is retransmitted to the DU through the second channel.

[0040] This application also provides a communication method applied to a base station DU, including:

[0041] Determine to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal;

[0042] The CU is notified to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal.

[0043] In the above scheme, the transmission mode of the second MBS includes PTM mode and PTP mode; the CU can transmit MBS data packets in PTM mode or PTP mode to the DU through the third channel, and / or transmit retransmitted MBS data packets or forwarded MBS data packets to the DU through the fourth channel.

[0044] In the above scheme, the step of notifying the CU to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal includes:

[0045] The CU is notified via F1 interface signaling to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal.

[0046] In the above scheme, the transmission mode of the second MBS to the second terminal is switched from PTP mode to PTM mode; the method further includes:

[0047] According to the third speed and the fourth speed, the DU transmits MBS data packets in PTM mode to the second terminal; the third speed is the speed at which the DU transmits MBS data packets in PTP mode to the second terminal; the fourth speed is the speed at which the DU transmits MBS data packets in PTM mode to the terminal.

[0048] In the above scheme, the step of transmitting MBS data packets in PTM mode to the second terminal according to the third speed and the fourth speed includes:

[0049] When the third speed is greater than or equal to the fourth speed, the P+1th MBS data packet of PTM mode is directly transmitted to the second terminal; P is the number of the last MBS data packet of PTM mode transmitted to the terminal before the DU determines the switching of the transmission mode of the second MBS; P is an integer greater than 0.

[0050] In the above scheme, the step of transmitting MBS data packets in PTM mode to the second terminal according to the third speed and the fourth speed includes:

[0051] If the third speed is less than the fourth speed, adjust the third speed and / or the fourth speed until the third speed and the fourth speed satisfy a first condition; the first condition indicates that the third number and the fourth number are the same; the third number is the number of the MBS data packet in PTP mode transmitted by the DU to the second terminal; the fourth number is the number of the MBS data packet in PTM mode transmitted by the DU to the terminal.

[0052] When the third speed and the fourth speed satisfy the first condition, the P+1th MBS data packet of PTM mode is transmitted to the second terminal; P is the number of the last MBS data packet of PTM mode transmitted to the terminal before the DU determines the switching of the transmission mode of the second MBS; P is an integer greater than 0.

[0053] In the above scheme, the transmission mode of the second MBS to the second terminal is switched from PTM mode to PTP mode; the method further includes:

[0054] Transmit the Q+1th MBS data packet in PTP mode to the second terminal; Q is the number of the last MBS data packet in PTM mode transmitted by the DU to the second terminal; Q is an integer greater than 0.

[0055] The method in the above scheme further includes:

[0056] The fifth number of the notification from the CU is received via F1 interface signaling; the fifth number is the number of the MBS data packet currently being transmitted on the third channel.

[0057] Based on the fifth number, determine whether there are any lost MBS data packets;

[0058] If it is determined that there is a lost MBS data packet, a third request is sent to the CU; the third request contains the number of the lost MBS data packet; the third request is used to request the CU to retransmit the lost MBS data packet to the DU through the fourth channel.

[0059] This application also provides a communication device, disposed on the CU of a base station, including:

[0060] The first processing unit is used to determine the switching of the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal;

[0061] The first notification unit is used to notify the DU to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal.

[0062] This application also provides a communication device, disposed on a DU of a base station, including:

[0063] The second processing unit is used to determine the switching of the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal;

[0064] The second notification unit is used to notify the CU to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal.

[0065] This application also provides a CU, including: a first communication interface and a first processor; wherein...

[0066] The first processor is configured to:

[0067] Determine to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal;

[0068] The DU is notified to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal.

[0069] This application also provides a DU, including: a second communication interface and a second processor; wherein...

[0070] The second processor is used for:

[0071] Determine to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal;

[0072] The CU is notified to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal.

[0073] This application also provides a CU, including: a first processor and a first memory for storing computer programs capable of running on the processor.

[0074] Wherein, when the first processor is used to run the computer program, it executes the steps of any of the methods described above on the CU side.

[0075] This application also provides a DU, including: a second processor and a second memory for storing a computer program capable of running on the processor.

[0076] Wherein, when the second processor is used to run the computer program, it executes the steps of any of the methods described above on the DU side.

[0077] This application embodiment also provides a storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the above-described CU-side methods or the steps of any of the above-described DU-side methods.

[0078] The communication method, apparatus, related devices, and storage medium provided in this application embodiment involve the base station's CU determining to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal and notifying the DU of the switch. Alternatively, the base station's DU determines to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal and notifies the CU of the switch. In any technical solution of this application embodiment, the base station's CU and DU can make switching decisions on the transmission mode of the terminal's MBS and notify each other of the switching decisions within the base station; thus, dynamic switching of air interface transmission modes can be achieved in a split base station architecture. Attached Figure Description

[0079] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transmission of MBS data packets in related technologies;

[0080] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a split base station architecture in related technologies;

[0081] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a channel architecture between a CU and a DU according to an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another channel architecture between CU and DU according to an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the CU in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of DU according to an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the base station structure according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0090] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0091] In related technologies, such as Figure 2 As shown, for a CU-DU separated base station architecture, the CU can include protocol layers such as Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), while the DU can include control layers such as Radio Link Control (RLC) and Medium Access Control (MAC), as well as physical layers. The CU and DU can communicate through a standardized public interface, F1, which can be divided into control plane F1-C and user plane F1-U. The separated base station architecture uses the PDCP protocol layer as an anchor point, supporting both PTP and PTM transmission modes. However, related technologies do not explicitly specify how separated base stations make transmission mode switching decisions.

[0092] Furthermore, in the MBS scenario of related technologies, a cell can have UEs that receive MBS data packets in PTP mode as well as UEs that receive MBS data packets in PTM mode. If the base station makes a dynamic handover decision, the UE in PTP mode will switch to PTM mode to receive MBS data packets, or the UE in PTM mode will switch to PTP mode to receive MBS data packets. Since the transmission speed of MBS data packets is different in the two transmission modes, how to ensure the continuity of MBS data packet transmission when the base station makes the handover decision between PTP mode and PTM mode becomes an urgent problem to be solved.

[0093] Based on this, in various embodiments of this application, the CU and DU of the base station can make switching decisions on the transmission mode of the MBS of the terminal and notify each other of the switching decisions within the base station; thus, dynamic switching of the air interface transmission mode can be realized in a split base station architecture.

[0094] In addition, in various embodiments of this application, the specific process of dynamic handover, the method of interaction of decision messages between CU and DU, and the content carried by the logical channel of F1 interface are analyzed for scenarios in which CU and DU make handover decisions on the transmission mode of MBS of the terminal. In order to ensure the service continuity of UE's MBS data packet reception through signaling interaction within the base station, that is, communication between CU and DU.

[0095] This application provides a communication method applied to the CU of a base station, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the method includes:

[0096] Step 301: Determine to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal;

[0097] Step 302: Notify the DU to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal.

[0098] Here, the transmission mode of the first MBS may include PTM mode and PTP mode; in other words, the CU's determination to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal may include: determining to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal from PTP mode to PTM mode, or determining to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal from PTM mode to PTP mode.

[0099] In various embodiments of this application, the terminal may also be referred to as UE; the base station may also be referred to as gNB; the CU may also be referred to as gNB-CU; and the DU may also be referred to as gNB-DU.

[0100] In practical applications, the CU and the DU need to establish a data channel to achieve data transmission in PTM or PTP mode.

[0101] Based on this, in one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the CU can transmit PTM mode MBS data packets to the DU through the first channel, and / or transmit PTP mode MBS data packets, retransmitted MBS data packets, or data forwarding MBS data packets to the DU through the second channel.

[0102] Here, the MBS data packet in PTM mode refers to the MBS data packet transmitted in PTM mode; the MBS data packet in PTP mode refers to the MBS data packet transmitted in PTP mode; and the MBS data packet forwarded refers to the MBS data packet that the base station needs to forward when the terminal switches modes between two base stations.

[0103] It is understood that the first channel is a shared channel (also known as a public channel, or in English, a shared tunnel), and the second channel is a dedicated channel (or in English, a dedicated tunnel or an individual tunnel).

[0104] In practical applications, the first channel and the second channel can be understood as logical channels for transmitting data on the F1 interface, and the technology used to establish the first channel and the second channel can be configured according to requirements. For example, the first channel and the second channel can be General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) user plane channels.

[0105] In step 301, in practical applications, after the MBS data packet is transmitted from the SDAP layer to the PDCP layer, the CU can perform dynamic handover decisions, that is, determine to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal. Specifically, the CU can determine to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal from PTP mode to PTM mode, or determine to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal from PTM mode to PTP mode, based on the number of users under the base station or the QoS requirements of the users.

[0106] In step 302, in practical applications, the CU can notify the DU to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal in a variety of ways. The specific notification method can be set according to the requirements.

[0107] Based on this, in one embodiment, the notification to the DU to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal may include one of the following:

[0108] The DU is notified via F1 interface signaling to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal.

[0109] Send a first request to the DU; the first request is used to request the establishment of the first channel or the second channel with the DU; the first request is also used to notify the DU to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal;

[0110] The DU transmits an MBS data packet carrying a first identifier; the first identifier indicates that the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal has been switched.

[0111] The F1 interface signaling may include F1 control plane signaling. In other words, the CU can inform the DU of a first decision message through F1 control plane signaling, the first decision message indicating that the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal has been switched.

[0112] It is understood that when the DU is notified of the switch of the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal by sending the first request, the corresponding cell only has terminals receiving MBS data packets in PTP mode or PTM mode; in other words, there is no first channel or second channel between the CU and the DU. Thus, when the DU receives the first request, it can know that a terminal in the corresponding cell has switched the transmission mode of MBS, that is, the CU has switched the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal. For example, when there are only terminals receiving MBS data packets in PTP mode in the corresponding cell, there is only the second channel between the CU and the DU, and no first channel. If the CU determines that the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal has switched from PTP mode to PTM mode, it can send a first request to the DU to request the establishment of the first channel with the DU. In response to the first request, the CU and the DU begin to build a common GTP-U channel. At the same time, the DU can know that the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal has switched from PTP mode to PTM mode.

[0113] Furthermore, in practical applications, the format of the first identifier can be set according to requirements. For example, when the CU determines that the transmission mode of the first MBS for the first terminal has switched from PTP mode to PTM mode, it can directly determine the identifier of the first terminal (such as a dynamic identifier assigned to the first terminal by the base station) as the first identifier and begin transmitting the MBS data packet of the first terminal in PTM mode to the DU, that is, transmitting the MBS data packet with the first identifier in the packet header to the DU through the first channel; thus, during the process of the DU receiving the MBS data packet of the first terminal through the second channel, when the DU begins to parse the first identifier from the packet header of the MBS data packet transmitted through the first channel, the DU can determine that the CU has executed a handover decision for the first terminal. In other words, the DU can know from the first identifier that the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal has switched from PTP mode to PTM mode.

[0114] In one embodiment, when the CU determines that the transmission mode of the first MBS to the first terminal has switched from PTP mode to PTM mode, the method may further include:

[0115] The channel used to transmit the MBS data packets of the first terminal to the DU will be switched from the second channel to the first channel.

[0116] Here, the handover can be understood as: stopping the transmission of the first terminal's MBS data packets to the DU through the second channel, and starting the transmission of the first terminal's MBS data packets to the DU through the first channel. Specifically, switching the channel used for transmitting the first terminal's MBS data packets to the DU from the second channel to the first channel may include: transmitting the (N+1)th MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU through the first channel; N is the number of the last MBS data packet transmitted by the CU through the first channel, that is, before making a handover decision for the first terminal, the CU transmits the last MBS data packets to the DU for all terminals in the corresponding cell receiving MBS data packets in PTM mode; N is an integer greater than 0.

[0117] In practical applications, the number of the MBS data packet can be the PDCP sequence number (SN, SerialNumber) of the data packet.

[0118] In practical applications, when the CU determines that the transmission mode of the first MBS for the first terminal has switched from PTP mode to PTM mode, the transmission speed of MBS data packets in PTM mode may be different from that in PTP mode. That is, the transmission speed of MBS data packets in the first channel may be different from that in the second channel. Therefore, in order to ensure the continuity of MBS data packet transmission between the CU and the DU, and thus ensure the service continuity of the UE's MBS data packet reception, the CU needs to determine whether to retransmit MBS data packets based on the transmission speed of MBS data packets in the first channel and the second channel.

[0119] Based on this, in one embodiment, the method may further include:

[0120] Based on the first speed and the second speed, it is determined whether it is necessary to retransmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU; the first speed is the MBS data packet transmission speed of the first channel; the second speed is the MBS data packet transmission speed of the second channel.

[0121] If it is determined that the MBS data packet of the first terminal needs to be retransmitted to the DU, the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal is retransmitted to the DU through the second channel.

[0122] Here, when the first speed is less than or equal to the second speed, the CU can determine that it is not necessary to retransmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU;

[0123] If the first speed is greater than the second speed, the CU can determine that the MBS data packet of the first terminal needs to be retransmitted to the DU.

[0124] For example, when the CU determines that the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal has switched from PTP mode to PTM mode, if the CU is transmitting the 6th data packet of the first terminal to the DU through the second channel and transmitting the 3rd data packet of another terminal to the DU through the first channel (i.e., N=3), the CU can determine that the first speed is less than the second speed, and there is no need to retransmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU, and it starts transmitting the 4th MBS data packet of the first MBS to the DU through the first channel. If the CU is transmitting the 3rd data packet of the first terminal to the DU through the second channel and transmitting the 6th data packet of another terminal to the DU through the first channel (i.e., N=6), the CU can determine that the first speed is greater than the second speed, and the DU can determine the numbers of the MBS data packets of the first terminal that the CU needs to retransmit (i.e., the 4th, 5th, and 6th MBS data packets of the first MBS), and send the numbers of the MBS data packets that need to be retransmitted to the CU, requesting the CU to establish a dedicated channel for retransmission of MBS data packets, that is, to retransmit MBS data packets through the second channel.

[0125] Based on this, in one embodiment, the retransmission of the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU via the second channel may include:

[0126] Receive first information sent by the DU; the first information contains the number of the MBS data packet of the first terminal that the CU needs to retransmit to the DU;

[0127] Based on the first information, the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal is retransmitted to the DU through the second channel.

[0128] In one embodiment, when the CU determines that the transmission mode of the first MBS to the first terminal has switched from PTM mode to PTP mode, the method may further include:

[0129] The first terminal's (M+1)th MBS data packet is transmitted to the DU via the second channel; M is the number of the first terminal's MBS data packet last transmitted by the CU to the DU via the first channel; M is an integer greater than 0.

[0130] In practical applications, when the CU determines that the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal has been switched from PTM mode to PTP mode, the terminals in the corresponding cell that originally received MBS data packets in PTP mode and the first terminal will receive MBS data packets from the base station side through an independent channel. The reception of MBS data packets by each terminal does not affect each other. Therefore, the CU can directly transmit the (M+1)th MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU through the second channel.

[0131] In practical applications, after the CU makes a handover decision for the first terminal, it needs to introduce signaling on the F1 interface to inform the DU of the latest MBS data packet number transmitted in PTP mode and PTM mode, so that the DU can determine whether any MBS data packets were lost during transmission on the F1 interface based on the received data packet number.

[0132] Based on this, in one embodiment, the method may further include:

[0133] The DU is notified of a first number and a second number via F1 interface signaling, so that the DU can determine whether there are any lost data packets during the process of receiving MBS data packets from the first terminal; the first number is the number of the MBS data packet currently being transmitted on the first channel; the second number is the number of the last MBS data packet from the first terminal being transmitted on the second channel.

[0134] Here, the F1 interface signaling may include the signaling of the F1 control plane.

[0135] In practical applications, if the DU determines that an MBS data packet is lost during transmission on the F1 interface, that is, if it determines that a data packet is lost during the process of receiving the MBS data packet from the first terminal, new signaling needs to be introduced on the F1 interface to inform the CU of the lost data packet number so that the CU can retransmit the MBS data packet through a dedicated channel.

[0136] Based on this, in one embodiment, the method may further include:

[0137] The DU receives second information sent by the DU; the second information includes the number of the data packet lost by the DU during the process of receiving the MBS data packet from the first terminal.

[0138] Based on the second information, the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal is retransmitted to the DU through the second channel.

[0139] In practical applications, after the DU receives the MBS data packet through the first channel or the second channel, it can transmit the MBS data packet to the corresponding terminal according to the corresponding transmission mode (i.e., PTP mode or PTM mode).

[0140] Correspondingly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method applied to the DU of a base station, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the method includes:

[0141] Step 501: Determine to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal;

[0142] Step 502: Notify the CU to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal.

[0143] Here, the transmission mode of the second MBS may include PTM mode and PTP mode; in other words, the DU's determination to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal may include: determining to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal from PTP mode to PTM mode, or determining to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal from PTM mode to PTP mode.

[0144] In practical applications, the CU and the DU need to establish a data channel to achieve data transmission in PTM or PTP mode.

[0145] Based on this, in one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the CU can transmit MBS data packets in PTM or PTP mode to the DU through the third channel, and / or transmit retransmitted MBS data packets or forwarded MBS data packets to the DU through the fourth channel.

[0146] It is understood that the third channel is a shared channel, and the fourth channel is a dedicated channel.

[0147] In practical applications, the third and fourth channels can be understood as logical channels for data transmission on the F1 interface, and the technology used to establish the third and fourth channels can be configured according to requirements. For example, the third and fourth channels can be GPRS user plane channels.

[0148] In step 501, in practical applications, after the MBS data packet is transmitted from the SDAP layer to the PDCP layer, the DU can perform dynamic handover decisions, that is, determine to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS for the second terminal. Specifically, the DU can determine to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS for the second terminal from PTP mode to PTM mode, or determine to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS for the second terminal from PTM mode to PTP mode, based on the number of users under the base station or the QoS requirements of the users.

[0149] In step 502, in practical applications, after the DU makes a switching decision for the second terminal, it needs to introduce signaling on the F1 interface to notify the CU that the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal has been switched.

[0150] Based on this, in one embodiment, notifying the CU to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal may include:

[0151] The CU is notified via F1 interface signaling to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal.

[0152] Here, the F1 interface signaling may include F1 control plane signaling. In other words, the DU can inform the CU of a second decision message through F1 control plane signaling, the second decision message indicating that the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal has been switched.

[0153] In practical applications, when the DU determines that the transmission mode of the second MBS to the second terminal is switched from PTP mode to PTM mode, since the transmission speed of MBS data packets in PTM mode may be different from that in PTP mode, in order to ensure the service continuity of the UE's MBS data packet reception, the DU needs to transmit MBS data packets in PTM mode to the second terminal according to the MBS data packet transmission speed in PTM mode and PTP mode.

[0154] Based on this, in one embodiment, when the DU determines that the transmission mode of the second MBS to the second terminal has switched from PTP mode to PTM mode, the method may further include:

[0155] According to the third speed and the fourth speed, the DU transmits MBS data packets in PTM mode to the second terminal; the third speed is the speed at which the DU transmits MBS data packets in PTP mode to the second terminal; the fourth speed is the speed at which the DU transmits MBS data packets in PTM mode to the terminal.

[0156] Here, the DU transmitting the MBS data packet in PTM mode to the second terminal means that the DU transmits the MBS data packet of the second MBS to the second terminal in PTM mode; the DU transmitting the MBS data packet in PTP mode to the second terminal means that the DU transmits the MBS data packet of the second MBS to the second terminal in PTP mode.

[0157] In one embodiment, transmitting PTM mode MBS data packets to the second terminal according to the third speed and the fourth speed may include:

[0158] When the third speed is greater than or equal to the fourth speed, the P+1th MBS data packet of PTM mode is directly transmitted to the second terminal; P is the number of the last MBS data packet of PTM mode transmitted to the terminal before the DU determines to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS; P is an integer greater than 0.

[0159] For example, when the DU determines that the transmission mode of the second MBS to the second terminal has switched from PTP mode to PTM mode, if the DU is transmitting the 6th MBS data packet in PTP mode to the second terminal and the 3rd MBS data packet in PTM mode to other terminals (i.e., P=3), the DU can determine that the third speed is greater than the fourth speed and directly transmit the 4th MBS data packet in PTM mode to the second terminal. Here, the second terminal can discard duplicate data packets, namely the 4th, 5th, and 6th MBS data packets.

[0160] In practical applications, when the third speed is greater than or equal to the fourth speed, the DU can also wait for a specific period of time and begin transmitting the (0+1)th MBS data packet in PTM mode to the second terminal; 0 is the number of the last MBS data packet in PTP mode transmitted by the DU to the second terminal; 0 is an integer greater than 0. For example, when the DU determines that the transmission mode of the second MBS to the second terminal has switched from PTP mode to PTM mode, if the DU is transmitting the 8th MBS data packet in PTP mode to the second terminal (i.e., 0 = 8) and transmitting the 5th MBS data packet in PTM mode to other terminals, the DU can determine that the third speed is greater than the fourth speed. At this time, it is not necessary to send duplicate MBS data packets (i.e., the 6th, 7th, and 8th MBS data packets of the second MBS) to the second terminal. After waiting for the DU to transmit the 6th, 7th, and 8th MBS data packets in PTM mode to other terminals (i.e., after waiting for a specific period of time), the DU can transmit the 9th MBS data packet in PTM mode to the second terminal.

[0161] In one embodiment, transmitting PTM mode MBS data packets to the second terminal according to the third speed and the fourth speed may include:

[0162] If the third speed is less than the fourth speed, adjust the third speed and / or the fourth speed until the third speed and the fourth speed satisfy a first condition; the first condition indicates that the third number and the fourth number are the same; the third number is the number of the MBS data packet in PTP mode transmitted by the DU to the second terminal; the fourth number is the number of the MBS data packet in PTM mode transmitted by the DU to the terminal.

[0163] When the third speed and the fourth speed satisfy the first condition, the P+1th MBS data packet of PTM mode is transmitted to the second terminal; P is the number of the last MBS data packet of PTM mode transmitted to the terminal before the DU determines the switching of the transmission mode of the second MBS; P is an integer greater than 0.

[0164] Here, the first condition can be set according to requirements. It can be understood that adjusting the third speed means increasing the third speed; adjusting the fourth speed means decreasing the fourth speed.

[0165] Specifically, the DU can send an indication message to the CU, which indicates that the third speed is less than the fourth speed. Simultaneously, the indication message can request the CU to transmit the second terminal's PTP mode MBS data packets through a dedicated channel. Upon receiving the indication message, the CU can transmit the second terminal's PTP mode MBS data packets to the DU through the newly established fourth channel to increase the third speed. And / or, the CU can slow down or pause the transmission of MBS data packets on the third channel, i.e., slow down or pause the transmission of MBS data packets in PTM mode, until the MBS data packet numbers transmitted in PTP mode and PTM mode are aligned, i.e., the third number is the same as the fourth number.

[0166] In one embodiment, when the DU determines that the transmission mode of the second MBS to the second terminal has switched from PTM mode to PTP mode, the method may further include:

[0167] Transmit the Q+1th MBS data packet in PTP mode to the second terminal; Q is the number of the last MBS data packet in PTM mode transmitted by the DU to the second terminal; Q is an integer greater than 0.

[0168] In practical applications, when the DU determines that the transmission mode of the second MBS to the second terminal has been switched from PTM mode to PTP mode, the terminal in the corresponding cell that originally received MBS data packets in PTP mode and the second terminal will receive MBS data packets from the base station side through an independent channel. The reception of MBS data packets by each terminal does not affect each other. Therefore, the DU can directly transmit the Q+1th MBS data packet in PTP mode to the second terminal.

[0169] In practical applications, after the DU makes a handover decision for the second terminal, it needs to introduce signaling on the F1 interface to inform the DU of the latest MBS data packet number transmitted in PTP and PTM modes, that is, the number of the MBS data packet currently transmitted on the third channel, so that the DU can determine whether any MBS data packets were lost during transmission on the F1 interface based on the received data packet number. If the DU determines that an MBS data packet was lost during transmission on the F1 interface, it needs to introduce new signaling on the F1 interface to inform the CU of the lost data packet number, so that the CU can retransmit the MBS data packet through a dedicated channel.

[0170] Based on this, in one embodiment, the method may further include:

[0171] The fifth number of the notification from the CU is received via F1 interface signaling; the fifth number is the number of the MBS data packet currently being transmitted on the third channel.

[0172] Based on the fifth number, determine whether there are any lost MBS data packets;

[0173] If it is determined that there is a lost MBS data packet, a third request is sent to the CU; the third request contains the number of the lost MBS data packet; the third request is used to request the CU to retransmit the lost MBS data packet to the DU through the fourth channel.

[0174] Here, the F1 interface signaling may include the signaling of the F1 control plane.

[0175] The communication method provided in this application embodiment involves the base station's CU determining to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of a first terminal; notifying the DU of the switch; and the base station's DU determining to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of a second terminal; and notifying the CU of the switch. In this embodiment, both the base station's CU and DU can make switching decisions regarding the transmission mode of the terminal's MBS and mutually notify each other of these decisions within the base station. This enables dynamic switching of air interface transmission modes in a split base station architecture. Simultaneously, through signaling interaction within the base station, i.e., communication between the CU and DU, the service continuity of the UE's MBS data packet reception is ensured.

[0176] To implement the method on the CU side of this application embodiment, this application embodiment also provides a communication device, disposed on the CU of the base station, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the device includes:

[0177] The first processing unit 701 is used to determine the switching of the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal;

[0178] The first notification unit 702 is used to notify the DU to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal.

[0179] Here, the CU can transmit PTM mode MBS data packets to the DU through the first channel, and / or transmit PTP mode MBS data packets, retransmitted MBS data packets, or data forwarding MBS data packets to the DU through the second channel.

[0180] In one embodiment, the first notification unit 702 is specifically configured to perform one of the following operations:

[0181] The DU is notified via F1 interface signaling to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal.

[0182] Send a first request to the DU; the first request is used to request the establishment of the first channel or the second channel with the DU; the first request is also used to notify the DU to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal;

[0183] The DU transmits an MBS data packet carrying a first identifier; the first identifier indicates that the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal has been switched.

[0184] In one embodiment, the first processing unit 701 determines that the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal is switched from PTP mode to PTM mode; the first processing unit 701 is further configured to switch the channel used to transmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU from the second channel to the first channel.

[0185] In one embodiment, the first processing unit 701 is further configured to:

[0186] Based on the first speed and the second speed, it is determined whether it is necessary to retransmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU; the first speed is the MBS data packet transmission speed of the first channel; the second speed is the MBS data packet transmission speed of the second channel.

[0187] If it is determined that the MBS data packet of the first terminal needs to be retransmitted to the DU, the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal is retransmitted to the DU through the second channel.

[0188] In one embodiment, the first processing unit 701 is further configured to:

[0189] If the first speed is less than or equal to the second speed, it is determined that it is not necessary to retransmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU;

[0190] or,

[0191] If the first speed is greater than the second speed, it is determined that the MBS data packet of the first terminal needs to be retransmitted to the DU.

[0192] In one embodiment, the first processing unit 701 is further configured to:

[0193] Receive first information sent by the DU; the first information contains the number of the MBS data packet of the first terminal that the CU needs to retransmit to the DU;

[0194] Based on the first information, the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal is retransmitted to the DU through the second channel.

[0195] In one embodiment, the first processing unit 701 determines that the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal is switched from PTM mode to PTP mode; the first processing unit 701 is further configured to transmit the (M+1)th MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU through the second channel; M is the number of the last MBS data packet of the first terminal transmitted by the CU to the DU through the first channel; M is an integer greater than 0.

[0196] In one embodiment, the first notification unit 702 is further configured to notify the DU of a first number and a second number via F1 interface signaling, so that the DU can determine whether there are any lost data packets during the process of receiving the MBS data packets of the first terminal; the first number is the number of the MBS data packets currently being transmitted on the first channel; the second number is the number of the last MBS data packets of the first terminal being transmitted on the second channel.

[0197] In one embodiment, the first processing unit 701 is further configured to:

[0198] The DU receives second information sent by the DU; the second information includes the number of the data packet lost by the DU during the process of receiving the MBS data packet from the first terminal.

[0199] Based on the second information, the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal is retransmitted to the DU through the second channel.

[0200] In practical applications, the first processing unit 701 and the first notification unit 702 can be implemented by a processor in a communication device combined with a communication interface.

[0201] To implement the method on the DU side of this application embodiment, this application embodiment also provides a communication device, disposed on the DU of the base station, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the device includes:

[0202] The second processing unit 801 is used to determine the switching of the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal;

[0203] The second notification unit 802 is used to notify the CU to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal.

[0204] Here, the CU can transmit MBS data packets in PTM or PTP mode to the DU through the third channel, and / or transmit retransmitted MBS data packets or forwarded MBS data packets to the DU through the fourth channel.

[0205] In one embodiment, the second notification unit 802 is specifically used to notify the CU via F1 interface signaling to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal.

[0206] In one embodiment, the second processing unit 801 determines that the transmission mode of the second MBS to the second terminal is switched from PTP mode to PTM mode; the second processing unit 801 is further configured to transmit the MBS data packet in PTM mode to the second terminal according to a third speed and a fourth speed; the third speed is the speed at which the DU transmits the MBS data packet in PTP mode to the second terminal; the fourth speed is the speed at which the DU transmits the MBS data packet in PTM mode to the terminal.

[0207] In one embodiment, the second processing unit 801 is further configured to directly transmit the P+1th MBS data packet of PTM mode to the second terminal when the third speed is greater than or equal to the fourth speed; P is the number of the last MBS data packet of PTM mode transmitted to the terminal before the DU determines the switching of the transmission mode of the second MBS; P is an integer greater than 0.

[0208] In one embodiment, the second processing unit 801 is further configured to:

[0209] If the third speed is less than the fourth speed, adjust the third speed and / or the fourth speed until the third speed and the fourth speed satisfy a first condition; the first condition indicates that the third number and the fourth number are the same; the third number is the number of the MBS data packet in PTP mode transmitted by the DU to the second terminal; the fourth number is the number of the MBS data packet in PTM mode transmitted by the DU to the terminal.

[0210] When the third speed and the fourth speed satisfy the first condition, the P+1th MBS data packet of PTM mode is transmitted to the second terminal; P is the number of the last MBS data packet of PTM mode transmitted to the terminal before the DU determines the switching of the transmission mode of the second MBS; P is an integer greater than 0.

[0211] In one embodiment, the second processing unit 801 determines that the transmission mode of the second MBS to the second terminal is switched from PTM mode to PTP mode; the second processing unit 801 is further configured to transmit the (Q+1)th MBS data packet in PTP mode to the second terminal; Q is the number of the last MBS data packet in PTM mode transmitted by the DU to the second terminal; Q is an integer greater than 0.

[0212] In one embodiment, the second processing unit 801 is further configured to:

[0213] The fifth number of the notification from the CU is received via F1 interface signaling; the fifth number is the number of the MBS data packet currently being transmitted on the third channel.

[0214] Based on the fifth number, determine whether there are any lost MBS data packets;

[0215] If it is determined that there is a lost MBS data packet, a third request is sent to the CU; the third request contains the number of the lost MBS data packet; the third request is used to request the CU to retransmit the lost MBS data packet to the DU through the fourth channel.

[0216] In practical applications, the second processing unit 801 and the second notification unit 802 can be implemented by a processor in the communication device combined with a communication interface.

[0217] It should be noted that the communication device provided in the above embodiments is only illustrated by the division of the above program modules when performing data processing and transmission. In actual applications, the above processing can be assigned to different program modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the processing described above. In addition, the communication device and communication method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, and their specific implementation process can be found in the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0218] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the method on the CU side of the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a CU, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the CU 900 includes:

[0219] The first communication interface 901 is capable of exchanging information with the DU of the base station where the CU 900 is located;

[0220] The first processor 902 is connected to the first communication interface 901 to enable information interaction with the DU and to execute the methods provided by one or more technical solutions on the CU side when running a computer program. The computer program is stored in the first memory 903.

[0221] Specifically, the first processor 902 is used for:

[0222] Determine to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal;

[0223] The DU is notified to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal.

[0224] Here, the CU 900 can transmit PTM mode MBS data packets to the DU through the first channel, and / or transmit PTP mode MBS data packets, retransmitted MBS data packets, or data forwarding MBS data packets to the DU through the second channel.

[0225] In one embodiment, the first processor 902 is specifically configured to perform one of the following operations:

[0226] The DU is notified via F1 interface signaling to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal.

[0227] Send a first request to the DU; the first request is used to request the establishment of the first channel or the second channel with the DU; the first request is also used to notify the DU to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal;

[0228] The DU transmits an MBS data packet carrying a first identifier; the first identifier indicates that the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal has been switched.

[0229] In one embodiment, the first processor 902 determines that the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal is switched from PTP mode to PTM mode; the first processor 902 is further configured to switch the channel used to transmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU from the second channel to the first channel.

[0230] In one embodiment, the first processor 902 is further configured to:

[0231] Based on the first speed and the second speed, it is determined whether it is necessary to retransmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU; the first speed is the MBS data packet transmission speed of the first channel; the second speed is the MBS data packet transmission speed of the second channel.

[0232] If it is determined that the MBS data packet of the first terminal needs to be retransmitted to the DU, the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal is retransmitted to the DU through the second channel.

[0233] In one embodiment, the first processor 902 is further configured to:

[0234] If the first speed is less than or equal to the second speed, it is determined that it is not necessary to retransmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU;

[0235] or,

[0236] If the first speed is greater than the second speed, it is determined that the MBS data packet of the first terminal needs to be retransmitted to the DU.

[0237] In one embodiment, the first processor 902 is further configured to:

[0238] Receive the first information sent by the DU; the first information contains the number of the MBS data packet of the first terminal that the CU 900 needs to retransmit to the DU;

[0239] Based on the first information, the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal is retransmitted to the DU through the second channel.

[0240] In one embodiment, the first processor 902 determines that the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal is switched from PTM mode to PTP mode; the first processor 902 is further configured to transmit the (M+1)th MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU through the second channel; M is the number of the last MBS data packet of the first terminal transmitted by the CU 900 to the DU through the first channel; M is an integer greater than 0.

[0241] In one embodiment, the first processor 902 is further configured to notify the DU of a first number and a second number via F1 interface signaling, so that the DU can determine whether there are any lost data packets during the process of receiving MBS data packets of the first terminal; the first number is the number of the MBS data packet currently being transmitted on the first channel; the second number is the number of the last MBS data packet of the first terminal being transmitted on the second channel.

[0242] In one embodiment, the first processor 902 is further configured to:

[0243] The DU receives second information sent by the DU; the second information includes the number of the data packet lost by the DU during the process of receiving the MBS data packet from the first terminal.

[0244] Based on the second information, the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal is retransmitted to the DU through the second channel.

[0245] It should be noted that the specific processing procedure of the first processor 902 can be understood by referring to the above method.

[0246] Of course, in practical applications, the various components in the CU 900 are coupled together through the bus system 904. It can be understood that the bus system 904 is used to implement communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, the bus system 904 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, in... Figure 9 The general labeled all buses as Bus System 904.

[0247] The first memory 903 in this embodiment is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the CU 900. Examples of such data include any computer program used to operate on the CU 900.

[0248] The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the first processor 902, or implemented by the first processor 902. The first processor 902 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware or by instructions in the form of software in the first processor 902. The first processor 902 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The first processor 902 can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly reflected as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium, which is located in the first memory 903. The first processor 902 reads the information in the first memory 903 and completes the steps of the aforementioned method in combination with its hardware.

[0249] In an exemplary embodiment, the CU 900 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers (MCUs), microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned methods.

[0250] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the method on the DU side of the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a DU, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the DU 1000 includes:

[0251] The second communication interface 1001 is capable of exchanging information with the CU of the base station where DU 1000 is located;

[0252] The second processor 1002 is connected to the second communication interface 1001 to enable information interaction with the CU and to execute the methods provided by one or more technical solutions on the DU side when running a computer program. The computer program is stored in the second memory 1003.

[0253] Specifically, the second processor 1002 is used for:

[0254] Determine to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal;

[0255] The CU is notified to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal.

[0256] Here, the CU can transmit MBS data packets in PTM or PTP mode to the DU 1000 through the third channel, and / or transmit retransmitted MBS data packets or forwarded MBS data packets to the DU 1000 through the fourth channel.

[0257] In one embodiment, the second processor 1002 is specifically used to notify the CU via F1 interface signaling to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal.

[0258] In one embodiment, the second processor 1002 determines that the transmission mode of the second MBS to the second terminal is switched from PTP mode to PTM mode; the second processor 1002 is further configured to transmit the MBS data packet in PTM mode to the second terminal according to a third speed and a fourth speed; the third speed is the speed at which the DU 1000 transmits the MBS data packet in PTP mode to the second terminal; the fourth speed is the speed at which the DU 1000 transmits the MBS data packet in PTM mode to the terminal.

[0259] In one embodiment, the second processor 1002 is further configured to directly transmit the P+1th MBS data packet of PTM mode to the second terminal when the third speed is greater than or equal to the fourth speed; P is the number of the last MBS data packet of PTM mode transmitted to the terminal before the DU 1000 determines the switching of the transmission mode of the second MBS; P is an integer greater than 0.

[0260] In one embodiment, the second processor 1002 is further configured to:

[0261] If the third speed is less than the fourth speed, the third speed and / or the fourth speed are adjusted until the third speed and the fourth speed satisfy a first condition; the first condition indicates that the third number and the fourth number are the same; the third number is the number of the MBS data packet in PTP mode transmitted by the DU 1000 to the second terminal; the fourth number is the number of the MBS data packet in PTM mode transmitted by the DU 1000 to the terminal.

[0262] When the third speed and the fourth speed satisfy the first condition, the P+1th MBS data packet of PTM mode is transmitted to the second terminal; P is the number of the last MBS data packet of PTM mode transmitted to the terminal before the DU 1000 determines the switching of the transmission mode of the second MBS; P is an integer greater than 0.

[0263] In one embodiment, the second processor 1002 determines that the transmission mode of the second MBS to the second terminal is switched from PTM mode to PTP mode; the second processor 1002 is further configured to transmit the (Q+1)th MBS data packet in PTP mode to the second terminal; Q is the number of the last MBS data packet in PTM mode transmitted by the DU 1000 to the second terminal; Q is an integer greater than 0.

[0264] In one embodiment, the second processor 1002 is further configured to:

[0265] The fifth number of the notification from the CU is received via F1 interface signaling; the fifth number is the number of the MBS data packet currently being transmitted on the third channel.

[0266] Based on the fifth number, determine whether there are any lost MBS data packets;

[0267] If it is determined that there is a lost MBS data packet, a third request is sent to the CU; the third request contains the number of the lost MBS data packet; the third request is used to request the CU to retransmit the lost MBS data packet to the DU1000 through the fourth channel.

[0268] It should be noted that the specific processing procedure of the second processor 1002 can be understood by referring to the above method.

[0269] Of course, in practical applications, the various components in the DU 1000 are coupled together through the bus system 1004. It can be understood that the bus system 1004 is used to implement communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, the bus system 1004 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, in... Figure 10The general labeled all buses as Bus System 1004.

[0270] The second memory 1003 in this embodiment is used to store various types of data to support DU1000 operation. Examples of such data include any computer program used to operate on DU1000.

[0271] The methods disclosed in the above embodiments of this application can be applied to the second processor 1002, or implemented by the second processor 1002. The second processor 1002 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware or by instructions in the form of software in the second processor 1002. The second processor 1002 may be a general-purpose processor, a DSP, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The second processor 1002 can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium, which is located in the second memory 1003. The second processor 1002 reads the information in the second memory 1003 and completes the steps of the aforementioned method in conjunction with its hardware.

[0272] In an exemplary embodiment, DU 1000 may be implemented by one or more ASICs, DSPs, PLDs, CPLDs, FPGAs, general-purpose processors, controllers, MCUs, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0273] It is understood that the memories (first memory 903, second memory 1003) in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or both. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), ferromagnetic random access memory (FRAM), flash memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); magnetic surface memory can be disk storage or magnetic tape storage. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Synchronous Static Random Access Memory (SSRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDRSDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (ESDRAM), SyncLink Dynamic Random Access Memory (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus Random Access Memory (DRRAM).The memories described in the embodiments of this application are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0274] To implement the method provided in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a base station, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the base station includes: CU 1101 and DU 1102.

[0275] It should be noted that the specific processing procedures of CU 1101 and DU 1102 have been described in detail above and will not be repeated here.

[0276] In an exemplary embodiment, this application also provides a storage medium, namely a computer storage medium, specifically a computer-readable storage medium, such as a first memory 903 storing a computer program, which can be executed by a first processor 902 of a CU 900 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned CU-side method. Another example is a second memory 1003 storing a computer program, which can be executed by a second processor 1002 of a DU 1000 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned DU-side method. The computer-readable storage medium can be a memory such as FRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or CD-ROM.

[0277] It should be noted that terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0278] Furthermore, the technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application can be combined arbitrarily without conflict.

[0279] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The centralized unit (CU) used in base stations includes: Determine to switch the transmission mode of the first multicast broadcast service (MBS) of the first terminal; The distribution unit (DU) is notified to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal. The transmission modes of the first MBS include point-to-multipoint (PTM) mode and point-to-point (PTP) mode; the CU can transmit MBS data packets in PTM mode to the DU through the first channel, and / or transmit MBS data packets in PTP mode, retransmitted MBS data packets, or forwarded MBS data packets to the DU through the second channel. When it is determined that the transmission mode of the first MBS to the first terminal has switched from PTP mode to PTM mode, the method further includes: The channel used to transmit the MBS data packets of the first terminal to the DU will be switched from the second channel to the first channel; If the first speed is less than or equal to the second speed, it is determined that it is not necessary to retransmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU; or, if the first speed is greater than the second speed, it is determined that it is necessary to retransmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU; the first speed is the MBS data packet transmission speed of the first channel; the second speed is the MBS data packet transmission speed of the second channel. If it is determined that the MBS data packet of the first terminal needs to be retransmitted to the DU, the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal is retransmitted to the DU through the second channel.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The notification to the DU to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal includes one of the following: The DU is notified via F1 interface signaling to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal. Send a first request to the DU; the first request is used to request the establishment of the first channel or the second channel with the DU; The first request is also used to notify the DU to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal; Transmit an MBS data packet carrying a first identifier to the DU; The first identifier indicates that the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal has been switched.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of retransmitting the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU through the second channel includes: Receive first information sent by the DU; the first information contains the number of the MBS data packet of the first terminal that the CU needs to retransmit to the DU; Based on the first information, the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal is retransmitted to the DU through the second channel.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When it is determined that the transmission mode of the first MBS to the first terminal has switched from PTM mode to PTP mode, the method further includes: The first terminal's (M+1)th MBS data packet is transmitted to the DU via the second channel; M is the number of the first terminal's MBS data packet last transmitted by the CU to the DU via the first channel; M is an integer greater than 0.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The DU is notified of a first number and a second number via F1 interface signaling, so that the DU can determine whether there are any lost data packets during the process of receiving MBS data packets from the first terminal; the first number is the number of the MBS data packet currently being transmitted on the first channel; the second number is the number of the last MBS data packet from the first terminal being transmitted on the second channel.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The DU receives second information sent by the DU; the second information includes the number of the data packet lost by the DU during the process of receiving the MBS data packet from the first terminal. Based on the second information, the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal is retransmitted to the DU through the second channel.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, The DU used in base stations includes: Determine to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal; Notify the CU to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal; The transmission modes of the second MBS include PTM mode and PTP mode; the CU can transmit MBS data packets in PTM mode or PTP mode to the DU through the third channel, and / or transmit retransmitted MBS data packets or forwarded MBS data packets to the DU through the fourth channel. When it is determined that the transmission mode of the second MBS to the second terminal has switched from PTP mode to PTM mode; the method further includes: When the third speed is greater than or equal to the fourth speed, the P+1th MBS data packet in PTM mode is directly transmitted to the second terminal. If the third speed is less than the fourth speed, adjust the third speed and / or the fourth speed until the third speed and the fourth speed meet the first condition; if the third speed and the fourth speed meet the first condition, transmit the P+1th MBS data packet of PTM mode to the second terminal; Wherein, the third speed is the speed at which the DU transmits PTP mode MBS data packets to the second terminal; the fourth speed is the speed at which the DU transmits PTM mode MBS data packets to the terminal; P is the number of the last PTM mode MBS data packet transmitted to the terminal before the DU determines to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS; P is an integer greater than 0; the first condition indicates that the third number and the fourth number are the same; the third number is the number of the PTP mode MBS data packet transmitted by the DU to the second terminal; the fourth number is the number of the PTM mode MBS data packet transmitted by the DU to the terminal.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The notification to the CU to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal includes: The CU is notified via F1 interface signaling to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: determining that the transmission mode of the second MBS to the second terminal is switched from PTM mode to PTP mode; the method also includes: Transmit the Q+1th MBS data packet in PTP mode to the second terminal; Q is the number of the last MBS data packet in PTM mode transmitted by the DU to the second terminal; Q is an integer greater than 0.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The fifth number of the notification from the CU is received via F1 interface signaling; the fifth number is the number of the MBS data packet currently being transmitted on the third channel. Based on the fifth number, determine whether there are any lost MBS data packets; If it is determined that there is a lost MBS data packet, a third request is sent to the CU; the third request contains the number of the lost MBS data packet; the third request is used to request the CU to retransmit the lost MBS data packet to the DU through the fourth channel.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, The CU installed on the base station includes: The first processing unit is used to determine the switching of the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal; wherein the transmission mode of the first MBS includes point-to-multipoint (PTM) mode and point-to-point (PTP) mode; the CU can transmit MBS data packets in PTM mode to the DU through the first channel, and / or transmit MBS data packets in PTP mode or retransmitted MBS data packets or forwarded MBS data packets in PTP mode to the DU through the second channel. When the first processing unit determines that the transmission mode of the first MBS to the first terminal has switched from PTP mode to PTM mode, it is further configured to: The channel used to transmit the MBS data packets of the first terminal to the DU will be switched from the second channel to the first channel; If the first speed is less than or equal to the second speed, it is determined that it is not necessary to retransmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU; or, if the first speed is greater than the second speed, it is determined that it is necessary to retransmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU; the first speed is the MBS data packet transmission speed of the first channel; the second speed is the MBS data packet transmission speed of the second channel. If it is determined that the MBS data packet of the first terminal needs to be retransmitted to the DU, the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal is retransmitted to the DU through the second channel; The first notification unit is used to notify the DU to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, The DU (Distribution Unit) installed on the base station includes: The second processing unit is used to determine the switching of the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal; wherein the transmission mode of the second MBS includes PTM mode and PTP mode; the CU can transmit MBS data packets in PTM mode or PTP mode to the DU through the third channel, and / or transmit retransmitted MBS data packets or data forwarding MBS data packets to the DU through the fourth channel. When the second processing unit determines that the transmission mode of the second MBS to the second terminal has switched from PTP mode to PTM mode, it is further configured to: When the third speed is greater than or equal to the fourth speed, the P+1th MBS data packet in PTM mode is directly transmitted to the second terminal. If the third speed is less than the fourth speed, adjust the third speed and / or the fourth speed until the third speed and the fourth speed meet the first condition; if the third speed and the fourth speed meet the first condition, transmit the P+1th MBS data packet in PTM mode to the second terminal; Wherein, the third speed is the speed at which the DU transmits PTP mode MBS data packets to the second terminal; the fourth speed is the speed at which the DU transmits PTM mode MBS data packets to the terminal; P is the number of the last PTM mode MBS data packet transmitted to the terminal before the DU determines to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS; P is an integer greater than 0; the first condition indicates that the third number and the fourth number are the same; the third number is the number of the PTP mode MBS data packet transmitted by the DU to the second terminal; the fourth number is the number of the PTM mode MBS data packet transmitted by the DU to the terminal. The second notification unit is used to notify the CU to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal.

13. A CU, characterized in that, include: A first communication interface and a first processor; wherein... The first processor is configured to: Determine to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal; Notify the DU to switch the transmission mode of the first MBS of the first terminal; The transmission modes of the first MBS include point-to-multipoint (PTM) mode and point-to-point (PTP) mode; the CU can transmit MBS data packets in PTM mode to the DU through the first channel, and / or transmit MBS data packets in PTP mode, retransmitted MBS data packets, or forwarded MBS data packets to the DU through the second channel. When it is determined that the transmission mode of the first MBS to the first terminal has switched from PTP mode to PTM mode, the first processor is further configured to: The channel used to transmit the MBS data packets of the first terminal to the DU will be switched from the second channel to the first channel; If the first speed is less than or equal to the second speed, it is determined that it is not necessary to retransmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU; or, if the first speed is greater than the second speed, it is determined that it is necessary to retransmit the MBS data packet of the first terminal to the DU; the first speed is the MBS data packet transmission speed of the first channel; the second speed is the MBS data packet transmission speed of the second channel. If it is determined that the MBS data packet of the first terminal needs to be retransmitted to the DU, the corresponding MBS data packet of the first terminal is retransmitted to the DU through the second channel.

14. A DU, characterized in that, include: A second communication interface and a second processor; wherein... The second processor is used for: Determine to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal; Notify the CU to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS of the second terminal; The transmission modes of the second MBS include PTM mode and PTP mode; the CU can transmit MBS data packets in PTM mode or PTP mode to the DU through the third channel, and / or transmit retransmitted MBS data packets or forwarded MBS data packets to the DU through the fourth channel. When it is determined that the transmission mode of the second MBS to the second terminal has switched from PTP mode to PTM mode; the second processor is further configured to: When the third speed is greater than or equal to the fourth speed, the P+1th MBS data packet in PTM mode is directly transmitted to the second terminal. If the third speed is less than the fourth speed, adjust the third speed and / or the fourth speed until the third speed and the fourth speed meet the first condition; if the third speed and the fourth speed meet the first condition, transmit the P+1th MBS data packet in PTM mode to the second terminal; Wherein, the third speed is the speed at which the DU transmits PTP mode MBS data packets to the second terminal; the fourth speed is the speed at which the DU transmits PTM mode MBS data packets to the terminal; P is the number of the last PTM mode MBS data packet transmitted to the terminal before the DU determines to switch the transmission mode of the second MBS; P is an integer greater than 0; the first condition indicates that the third number and the fourth number are the same; the third number is the number of the PTP mode MBS data packet transmitted by the DU to the second terminal; the fourth number is the number of the PTM mode MBS data packet transmitted by the DU to the terminal.

15. A CU, characterized in that, include: A first processor and a first memory for storing computer programs capable of running on the processor. Wherein, when the first processor is used to run the computer program, it performs the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

16. A DU, characterized in that, include: A second processor and a second memory for storing computer programs that can run on the processor. Wherein, when the second processor is used to run the computer program, it performs the steps of the method according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

17. A storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

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